The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has urged leaders of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Niger State to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and help consolidate gains recorded in the economy, security, infrastructure, education and human capital development.
The Minister made the call in Abuja when he received chairmen of the APC from the 25 Local Government Areas of Niger State, who paid him a solidarity visit.
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Mohammed Idris said Nigerians must join hands with President Tinubu to consolidate the gains of ongoing reforms and place the country on a sound economic footing.
He recalled that the administration inherited significant economic and security challenges when it assumed office in May 2023, saying the country’s economic foundation was under severe pressure while insecurity had negatively affected lives and livelihoods.
The Minister said the situation had changed considerably, noting that the Federal Government now had greater fiscal space to undertake developmental projects across the country.
According to him, the removal of the fuel subsidy has provided additional resources for the Federal Government and subnational governments to invest in agriculture, roads, healthcare, education and youth development.
Idris also said the administration’s economic reforms were restoring investor confidence, with foreign investors returning and businesses gaining improved capacity to repatriate their earnings.
He cited major infrastructure projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, as evidence of the Federal Government’s ongoing investment in critical infrastructure.
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On security, the Minister acknowledged that challenges remained but said the country was making gradual progress towards restoring normalcy.
He also highlighted the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, saying more than one million young Nigerians had benefited from the programme through support for tertiary education, tuition and upkeep.
The Minister said the Federal Government was equally expanding opportunities in agriculture, the non-oil sector and solid minerals, while regional development commissions were being strengthened to bring development closer to communities.
Mohammed Idris urged APC leaders in Niger State to maintain unity and resolve internal disagreements through dialogue.
He stressed that the party must remain focused on strengthening the Tinubu administration and sustaining its development agenda.
The Minister said the progress recorded since 2023 provided a foundation for greater achievements, urging Nigerians to support the continuation and consolidation of the reforms.
Earlier, the Chairman of the APC Local Government Chairmen in Niger State and leader of the delegation, Hon. Hashimu Izom, said they were in Abuja to congratulate the Minister on his achievements, appreciate President Tinubu for his appointment and commend his representation of Niger State at the federal level.
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Izom praised Mohammed Idris for promoting unity in Niger State and supporting projects and initiatives beneficial to the people.
He said the delegation was proud of the Minister for consistently defending President Tinubu and representing the interests of Niger State at the national level.